​Help shape the future for older adults and individuals with disabilities in Pierce County!

Aging into the Future: Pierce County 2020-2030 will inform, challenge and inspire the audience to look toward how we can prepare Pierce County (government, businesses, non-profits, faith communities, etc.) for a future when over 25% of our residents will be older adults. Shown in an interactive and innovative format called "PechaKucha", these presentations offer a glimpse into the possibilities of what the future may hold.

This conference is intended for seniors, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, families, service providers, business owners, and others who are interested in how aging affects our future. The program will include speakers on eight different topics: Infrastructure, Transportation, Long Term Health, Personal Wellness, Housing, Legislation, Threats to Independence, and Economics. Our audience will have generous opportunities to provide feedback, suggestions and additional comments throughout.

PechaKucha (meaning “chit-chat” and pronouced Pe-Cha-Ku-Cha) is the art of concise presentations. Now in over 1,000 cities, the format was devised in Tokyo in February 2003 as an event for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public.

You’ve heard the phrase “death by PowerPoint.” This isn’t it. It’s actually the opposite! PechaKucha 20x20 is a simple presentation format where we show 20 images, each for 20 seconds. Our presenters will use the images to poke and prod us, to inform and educate us, to inspire and challenge us.

At our PechaKucha, we will have eight dynamic presentations with each one immediately followed by 5-10 survey questions. Each member of the audience will have portable keypads and respond with electronic voting. We’ll see the results immediately!

In addition to our presenters, exhibitors will be at tables throughout the event to answer questions and provide resources for aging and disability related topics. Refreshments will be provide. Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation for Nourish Pierce County Food Banks.

We begin at 9 a.m. with a brief introduction, followed by our first presentation. Each presenter speaks for no longer than 7 minutes and once their presentation is complete, the audience will have the opportunity to provide feedback and proposed solutions through electronic polling and other feedback tools. Participants will be able to see the results in real time! There will be a break half-way through the PechaKucha event when participants are encouraged to visit our exhibitors.

Infratructure and Built EnvironmentPresented by: Kelsie Mojean, Pierce County ADRC

How will we live and age in place in the coming decade? The smart house of today will be considered old school tomorrow. Are there needs you see that we can prepare for now?

TransportationPresented by: Gil Cerise, Puget Sound Regional Council

Traffic congestion, private cars and buses are today’s normal. Talk of driverless vehicles is common now, but little more than talk. How will people get around ten years from now and what do our communities need to do to prepare?

Long Term ConditionsPresented by: Mary Lynn Pannen, Sound Options

Today’s model of dealing with many long term health conditions is hugely draining on individuals, families, communities and health systems. Science may or may not provide cures. In the meantime, how can Pierce County better support individuals and families?

Personal WellnessPresented by: Kris Dowling, Pierce County ADRC

Time and time again we hear the advice to “just keep moving.” Easier said than done in some part of the county. Perhaps new initiatives and incentives will help communities motivate us all to manage and improve our own health.

HousingPresented by: Gerrit Nyland, Cathoic Community Services

Are we on the cusp of a major revolution in how we live? Competing forces of supply, demand, affordability, location and more are causing a community-wide crisis. Some of the solutions may surprise us.

LegislativePresented by: Cynthia Stewart, League of Women Voters

Are we on the cusp of a major revolution in how we live? Competing forces of supply, demand, affordability, location and more are causing a community-wide crisis. Some of the solutions may surprise us. How will needs of seniors and people with disabilities change legislative priorities?

Threats to AgingPresented by: Matt Santelli, Pierce County ADRC

Seniors, people with disabilities and other marginalized groups are targets for scams, fraud, ID theft, abuse, neglect and other crimes. How can Pierce County residents be protected and better served in the coming decade?

Economics of AgingPresented by: Cathy Knight, Seattle King County Aging and Disability Services

Communities are seeing an increasing disparity between the haves and the have nots, the wealthy and those on low incomes. Some face food insecurity, isolation and lack of support. Can the future provide a place for all?

Admission is free, but tickets must be ordered in advance online or by calling the ADRC. You may make requests accommodations either online or by phone. Everyone is invited to bring a donation of non-perishable food for Nourish Pierce County food banks.

The Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources (ADR) division offers a wide range of community-based services that allow older adults and adults with disabilities to remain at home as long as possible. Services include everything from case management to caregiver support. These services address the needs of frail, older and functionally disabled adults living in Pierce County. ADR is the Area Agency on Aging for Pierce County.

The Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is a telephone helpline and online service providing free and easily accessible information, referrals and assistance regarding services and long term supports in Pierce County. ADRC specialists also help screen for a wide range of federal, state and local programs and services for older adults and adults with disabilities.